Tarnów Bishop Andrzej Jeż sentenced. A historic verdict has been reached.

On Thursday, the Tarnów District Court announced a verdict in the precedent-setting case against Bishop Andrzej Jeż, who was accused of failing to report sexual abuse of minors by priests under his authority. He received a combined sentence of two years of restricted freedom, involving a 25% salary deduction and a fine for a victim support fund. The prosecution sought a suspended prison sentence and a fine, while the defense argued for acquittal, citing unclear regulations. The case, which lasted eight months, involved two priests and highlighted the bishop's delayed reporting of abuse, which led to the expiration of some cases. This trial is significant as it is the first in Poland where a bishop is held accountable for not reporting sexual crimes committed by subordinate clergy, based on a 2017 law that criminalizes such omissions.